By Shannon Henry, Customer Service Manager for RMLS™
One of the most common Supra-related questions we’ve received here at RMLS™ over the past few years has been, “When will I be able to use an iPhone as my lockbox key?” Well, we’re pleased to announce that as of today eKEY Basic service is available on the iPhone.
The eKEY software has been designed to update wirelessly, and allows you to not only use your phone as a key to open iBoxes, but also to manage your lockbox inventory right from your iPhone. Supra anticipates that the eKEY professional version, which will include the ability to view showing information and save listing data in the software, will also be available later this year.
A Supra iPhone adapter must also be purchased to add an IR (infrared) port to the iPhone, allowing it to communicate with iBoxes. The iPhone adapter is quite small, and connects via the docking port at the bottom of your phone when you want to open a lockbox. It runs off of your phone’s power, meaning nothing extra to keep charged, and comes with a cover that allows it to hang from a keychain when not in use.
Additional Devices
We ran a quick test in the office today and determined that both the eKEY software and adapter will work on an iPad, as well. However, we don’t recommend trying to use an iPod Touch – although the software will install and the adapter will work, without a data plan you would need to be certain that you’ll have a wireless connection available everywhere you may show a property, or commit to manually updating your key every day.
Check it out
Here are a couple of resources for further reading: eKEY for iPhone Product Page, Quick Start Guide, and User Manual. The eKEY software is available for free download through Apple’s App Store here, and comes complete with a demo mode so that you can try out the software without signing up for the eKEY service.
Ready to make the switch? The iPhone adapters sell for $55 at your local RMLS™ office, where we can also get you set up with an eKEY Basic account.
Other Supra Happenings
In other news, Supra has also recently made some improvements to SupraWEB, their key and lockbox management site. Along with a couple of security upgrades, they have also fixed an issue that caused boxes to sometimes disappear from an agent’s inventory when new boxes were added. And for those of you with Android-based phones who are interested in moving to the eKEY solution, they are currently planning to release eKEY for Android software in late September. We’ll keep you updated as we hear more, and you can also sign up for updates about Android directly from Supra here.
I am looking into purchasing a Sprint EVO and would like to know when you think the Droid will be integrated with the E-key to open I-boxes.
Thank you, Jim
Hi Jim,
Thanks for your comment! As noted near the end of the article, Supra is planning to release eKEY software for Android in late September.
Hope that helps! Thank you.
I upgraded last week and was pleased with not having to carry an additional device. The process takes just as long to open a lock box because the software is slow, but it is well worth it. The small attachment hangs on my keyring ready when I need it.
The other functions work much better than the ekey because you have a full screen to read and not the 12 character limit.
You do have to turn in your existing ekey when you buy your new one! So don’t forget to bring it with you. The $50 deposit refund makes the new key on $9.95
Hi Jolynne,
Thanks for your response! I am glad it is working out so well for you. They have been popular, and I am glad you mentioned about bringing in the existing eKEY. We do need those interested in setting up the eKEY Basic account to bring in their existing key.
Thanks!
Does anyone know of an adaptor to iPhone 4 and the ekey that extends the docking port on the iPhone so I can put my ekey in it so I don’t have to take the case off my phone every time I want to use the ekey.
Thanks!
Hi Angie,
Thanks for your comment! We will be testing dock extenders, but we won’t be able to test them for another couple of weeks. Also, will only be testing on a 3G, not an iPhone 4. Supra may be developing an extender of their own, although we don’t have a date for when it will be available.
Thanks,
Kelsey
Hello,
I recently purchased the new supra adapter for the iPhone. It does not fit with my protective case for the phone. I really don’t want to be without a case because I have shattered the glass from dropping it. Looking for a company that makes cell phone cases that will fit with the adapter???help please! Thanks:~}
Hi Donna,
Sorry to hear that the case isn’t working out for you. According to Supra, their adapter works with most cases other than those made by OtterBox. We don’t really have any cases to suggest, but I would try taking the adapter out with you when shopping for new cases to test out the connection before making a purchase. This way, you can see if it fits.
Thanks,
Kelsey
So now that my Android was glitch-y, I broke down for an Iphone4.- with a case of course. Then to RMLS to get the Iphone adaptor to replace my Android adaptor…..And they tell me I have to REMOVE the case to make the adaptor fit in the port (every time). It would sure be nice if RMLS or Supra or anybody would have a list of cases that could work. This is crazy! I hope someone at the trade show will have options!
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for your comment and sorry for the frustration you’re experiencing.
Unfortunately, as much testing as Supra does with a wide variety of cases, there are countless companies out there that make iPhone accessories, and new ones entering the market all the time. It would be very difficult to track all of the different cases on the market especially as new iPhone models are added.
We generally recommend that subscribers take their adapter with them when they go case shopping so that they can test the fit. I know this doesn’t solve your dilemma but I hope it helps.
Where do I go to buy additional adapter?
Your local RMLS™ office will have adapters available to purchase. If you have any questions, feel free to call our Front Desk at 503-236-7657.